What Are the Characteristics of True and False Zeal According to Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones?

What's the biblical basis for distinguishing true zeal from false zeal?

According to Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, the biblical basis comes directly from Romans 10:1-2, where Paul writes: "Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is that they might be saved, for I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge." Here we see Paul distinguishing between his own true zeal (verse 1) and the Israelites' false zeal (verse 2). The key difference is that false zeal is "not according to knowledge," showing that zeal must be grounded in truth to be legitimate.

Why does Lloyd-Jones consider zeal to be neutral in itself?

Lloyd-Jones explains that zeal is neutral because it's merely "a form of power" or "a kind of motive force." He compares it to fire or electricity - forms of energy that can be either helpful or destructive depending on how they're used. He states, "Fire is a good servant, but a bad master." Similarly, zeal should be a servant to truth rather than operating independently. Lloyd-Jones notes that zeal often reflects temperament rather than spiritual maturity, as "some people are born zealous" while others are naturally "quiet and lethargic and phlegmatic."

What examples does Lloyd-Jones give of false zeal in church history?

Lloyd-Jones provides several historical examples of false zeal: 1. During the Protestant Reformation, "fanatics" followed Luther but turned "liberty into license," becoming a second battlefront for Luther 2. In 17th century Puritan England, certain radical sects arose, including Quakers like William Naylor who "rode on a horse into Bristol proclaiming that he was the messiah" 3. In 18th century America, James Davenport followed in George Whitefield's wake but was "a fanatic who carried everything to terrible excesses" and did "great harm to the cause of revival in New England"

What are the key characteristics of false zeal according to the sermon?

Lloyd-Jones identifies eleven characteristics of false zeal: 1. It's imposed by others, making you "conform to a pattern" 2. It requires being "whipped up" or constantly stimulated externally 3. It emphasizes doing over being 4. Activity is more prominent than truth 5. It overemphasizes machinery, methods, and organization 6. It displays carnality through lightness, frivolity, and excitement 7. It's impatient with examination or questioning 8. It's impatient with teaching and doctrine 9. It shows fanaticism and intolerance 10. It lacks balance, focusing on only one aspect of truth 11. It produces restlessness, as the person lives on their activity rather than on Christ

How does Lloyd-Jones describe the proper relationship between knowledge and zeal?

Lloyd-Jones explains that true zeal flows from knowledge in a specific order: mind, heart, will. He references Romans 6:17, "ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you," noting that the proper sequence is: 1. The mind receives doctrine/truth 2. The heart is moved by that truth 3. The will responds in obedience/action

False zeal reverses this order by "putting the will first" and being "not interested even in the heart, nor in the head." Lloyd-Jones warns that "the will should never be approached directly" because doing so tends to produce false zeal. True zeal is always "according to knowledge" - the person "knows what he's doing and he knows why he's doing it."

What are the marks of true zeal that Lloyd-Jones identifies?

According to Lloyd-Jones, true zeal: 1. Is never "put on" or externally imposed 2. Results from who the person is - their growth in grace and sanctification 3. Flows from knowledge and understanding 4. Has depth rather than being superficial 5. Is controlled rather than controlling 6. Lacks self-confidence (Paul worked "in weakness and in fear and in much trembling") 7. Is motivated by God's glory, not personal success 8. Shows concern for eternal matters rather than superficial results 9. Remains humble even when successful 10. Desires to know Christ more deeply rather than achieve impressive results

Why does Lloyd-Jones say members of cults are often very zealous?

Lloyd-Jones observes that "zeal is one of the most prominent characteristics of people who belong to the cults." He notes that cult members are typically "prepared to make great sacrifices" for their beliefs and will give "their time, their energy and their money to the propagation of what they believe." He points out that they're often more active than Christians, "coming round to your doors on Saturday afternoons selling books." Lloyd-Jones uses this as evidence that zeal itself cannot be trusted as a sign of truth, since those in error are frequently characterized by intense zeal.

How does Lloyd-Jones apply this teaching to the Christian life?

Lloyd-Jones makes several practical applications: 1. Christians should not be "so afraid of a false zeal that you do nothing at all" 2. If knowledge of truth hasn't moved you to action, "you haven't known the truth properly" 3. True Christians "cannot but speak of the things which we have seen and heard" 4. We should be "fervent in spirit serving the Lord" (Romans 12:11) 5. We should be concerned about the eternal destiny of the lost 6. The Holy Spirit alone can give us true zeal - "You can't make your own spirit fervent" 7. Christians should actively share the gospel, as Horatius Bonar wrote, "Take up the torch and wave it wide"

What did Lloyd-Jones say about the relationship between doctrine and practice?

Lloyd-Jones emphasizes that right doctrine should lead to right practice. He states that "if our understanding of doctrine has the effect of paralyzing us or making us do nothing... then there's only one thing to say, and that is that you've misunderstood the doctrine." Using Paul as an example, he shows that even strong belief in God's sovereignty should not make us inactive. Rather, Paul "not only yearns for [his countrymen], he prays for them, and he does everything he can in order to bring them to salvation." Lloyd-Jones concludes that when properly understood, sound doctrine energizes rather than paralyzes Christian action.